Maintaining a healthy weight improves your general health and well-being, but for some people, diet and exercise are not enough.  The Mini-Gastric Bypass has proven to be a safe and effective method for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. If you’re considering this procedure, here are some aspects to keep in mind.

A Patient's Guide to the Mini-Gastric Bypass Surgery

Am I eligible for this procedure?

To determine your eligibility, your Body Mass Index (BMI) will need to be calculated. Meeting the BMI criteria ensures patients have the optimal chance of a successful outcome.  A body mass index (BMI) higher than 40 qualifies you for surgery even if you appear otherwise healthy.  This is because individuals with a BMI greater than 40 have an increased risk of premature death if nothing is done about their excess weight.  If your BMI is between 35 and 40, then you must also have certain medical conditions—such as diabetes, sleep apnea, or high blood pressure—in order to be considered a candidate for MGB surgery.  If you have uncontrolled diabetes despite aggressive medical therapy, a BMI as low as 30 will qualify you for the surgery.  Patients must also have decent mobility and be in relatively good health.

Is weight loss permanent?

Unlike the medical management of obesity that has a 95% failure rate at 5 years, The Mini-Gastric Bypass boasts a 95% success rate at maintaining long term weight loss.  Of course, following dietary and lifestyle instructions provided by your doctor helps you find lasting success. Patients who don’t follow orders and continue to eat foods high in fats and calories in abundance will increase their risk of gaining unwanted weight. This highlights the importance of having a strong support system in place, which may include a counselor or therapist.

Is the procedure painful?

While some level of discomfort is normal after the procedure, most patients tolerate it quite well.   Narcotic pain medication will be ordered for you while in the hospital, but patients generally do not go home with anything stronger than Tylenol, because they simply don’t need anything stronger to control their post-op pain.

How can I ensure I get enough nutrition after the surgery?

Your surgeon will follow you closely after surgery to make sure you are getting enough nutrition.  A Mediterranean style diet high in protein (60 to 80 grams a day) along with fruits and vegetables will be recommended after surgery.  This procedure affects how your body absorbs certain nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, so taking vitamin and mineral supplements are mandatory after surgery.  Your doctor will counsel you on the correct supplements and how much to take.

As an experienced, board-certified general surgeon, Dr. David Hargroder and the team at Mini-Gastric Bypass will answer any questions you have about the procedure. With his more than two decades of experience, Dr. Hargroder’s patients can expect a relatively brief procedure and recovery period. You’ll also receive compassionate lifestyle support to begin your new life. Visit the website for more information about getting started, and call (800) 387-0514 to schedule an appointment.